INNOVATION IN MOTION SPEED RELIABILITY INFORMATION COMFORT Winnipeg Transit 2010 Winner of Canadian Urban Transit Association s Exceptional Performance/Outstanding Achievement Award
Winnipeg Transit Improvements Program Welcome to Innovation In Motion In February 2006, Winnipeg s City Council approved a comprehensive, multiyear transit improvement plan focused on the major thoroughfares in which high levels of transit service operate. In each of these Quality Corridors, a specific set of improvements, tailored to the needs of each, is being implemented to improve the speed, reliability, comfort, and accessibility of transit service. Improvements include: Buses Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Upgraded Stops/Stations Traffic Priority for Transit Accelerated program of bus replacements Low Emission Engines Air Conditioning ibus - Intelligent Transportation System Technology On-Board Next Stop Displays/Announcements Real-Time Passenger Information On-Board Security Camera System Automated Fare Collection System New Shelters (heated at busy stops/stations) Improved Signage Posted Route and Schedule Information Landscaping, Signage, Benches On-Street Transit Priority Measures (eg. new diamond lanes, queue jumps, transit signal priority, street geometry improvements) Rapid Transit Park & Ride New Park & Ride Facilities at existing and new parking lots SPEED RELIABILITY INFORMATION COMFORT
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Technology for Transit New, state-of-the-art technology, called ibus, has been installed on all transit buses. Major features include: GPS based Automated Vehicle Location Advanced bus radio communications system Automated real-time schedule tracking Automated on-board next stop announcements and displays On-board Security Camera System for safety. 75% of the fleet are now Easy Access buses with low floors. By 2014, the complete fleet will be converted to Easy Access. Automated Vehicle Location System the backbone of ibus Technology All 545 buses in the fleet are now tracked using GPS technology. When a bus deviates from its assigned schedule, it transmits this information to Transit s Control Centre where the information is processed and schedule updates are automatically made to passenger information systems, including TeleBUS, on-line timetables at, Navigo trip planner, BUSwatch electronic signs at major bus stops, the BUStxt text-messaging service, and the BUSguide service on handheld mobile devices. Bus Replacement Program We re replacing the oldest buses in our fleet with new air conditioned buses equipped with the latest ITS ibus features. Global Positioning Satellite Schedule Deviations to Control Centre Updated Passenger Information Next Stop displays and announcements: Now, you ll never have to worry about missing your stop. With Winnipeg Transit s automated Next Stop announcements and displays you ll know exactly where you are at anytime during your trip - and that s important if you re going some place new or have a vision impairment. On Board Next Stop Display On-Board Security Camera System All buses are now equiped with state of the art video systems to improve security for passengers and bus operators.
New Transit Stations and Bus Stop Upgrades The ambitious job of upgrading hundreds of bus stops and stations has been underway since 2007. Major improvements have been made to passenger waiting areas including the installation of new shelters, illuminated sign structures, posted route/schedule information, information kiosks, benches, streetscaping and BUSwatch displays. Attractive modern shelters bring a new aesthetic to the city s streetscape. Constructed with high-grade aluminum and tempered glass these shelters are functional and vandal resistant. BUSwatch BUSwatch signs have been tested and are now being installed at major stops throughout the city, providing waiting passengers with real time transit information. Now our customers will know exactly when their bus is due to depart along with other important trip related information.
All those in favour of Winnipeg Transit s Priority Measures Raise Your Hand! We know your time is valuable. That s why Winnipeg Transit has introduced a number of time-saving Transit Priority Measures designed to improve transit speed and reliability, resulting in reduced waiting and travel times for our customers. Transit Priority Measures include a variety of traffic management strategies that help our bus operators maintain their schedules. Diamond Lanes Transit Queue Jump or By Pass Lanes Transit Signal Priority Lights Road Geometry Improvements Transit Signal Priority Lights (TSP): At congested intersections, special transit priority signals have been installed to allow buses to re-enter the traffic stream ahead of other vehicles. Transit Queue Jump or Bypass lanes: Short stretches of road allow buses to safely bypass other traffic at traffic-signal controlled intersections. Diamond Lanes: These lanes are reserved for buses and cyclists. Identified by special signage and street markings these lanes provide priority for buses along congested roadways. To learn more about Diamond Lanes visit. Road Geometry Improvements: A number of physical changes (such as lane re-alignments) on some of Winnipeg s busiest streets have improved traffic flow and safety for transit service.
Expansion of Park & Ride: Perfect for Daily Commutes or Special Events! Why pay for expensive parking when you can leave your car at any of our safe and convenient Park & Ride facilities? Winnipeg Transit has 14 Park & Ride locations throughout the city - most are FREE and all are easy to use. Simply visit to find out which Park & Ride location is closest to you. Real-Time Transit Information - now available on-line, on the phone and on the street! Over the past 3 years, Winnipeg Transit has been hard at work developing a better way to provide travel information to our customers. With the introduction of Winnipeg Transit s ibus technology, transit users can get accurate real-time schedule information from the comfort of their home, office, or school, on their cell phones and mobile devices, and on BUSwatch electronic signs at major stops. On-Line On the Phone While Out & About At the Bus Stop Now features real-time schedule information with even faster access to our detailed maps and other important information to assist you with all your personal trip planning needs.visit Get current or future schedule information with TeleBUS, Winnipeg Transit s automated telephone schedule system - now with realtime schedule information! You now have the choice of using the telephone keypad or your voice to respond to prompts.
Getting Started on Rapid Transit Southwest Rapid Transit Corridor Stage 1 On October 22, 2008, City Council approved implementation of the initial project of the rapid transit system, Stage 1 of the Southwest Rapid Transit Corridor. The project includes the construction of a new Transitway (a separate high-speed right-of-way for buses) from Queen Elizabeth Way & Stradbrook to Pembina & Jubilee, including new rapid transit stations at Harkness, at Osborne, and in the Fort Rouge Yards. New active transportation paths are also included as part of the project. Construction began in 2009 and is scheduled to be completed by late 2011. Work underway includes new land drainage facilities, the reconstruction of parts of Donald Street and Stradbrook Avenue to make room for the Transitway, and construction of a Transitway tunnel beneath the CN main line. Later this year, construction will begin on a new Transitway bridge over Osborne Street, the Transitway and stations, and new active transportation paths. When completed, a network of routes will use the new rapid transit corridor. Buses will operate between a new terminal on Balmoral Street at the University of Winnipeg and various destinations in southwest Winnipeg, operating via the Graham Transit Mall, Main Street Diamond lanes, the new Transitway, and Pembina Highway. While a southerly extension of the Southwest Rapid Transit Corridor (Stage 2 of the project) is planned, additions to the rapid transit network are being considered during the update to the City s official plan. For more details on the Southwest Rapid Transit Corridor Stage 1 project (including detailed descriptions, maps and drawings), click on the Rapid Transit link on Winnipeg Transit s website at www.. Fort Rouge Station - Birds eye view Osborne Station - Exterior Harkness Station Transitway and active transportation path - Stradbrook Osborne Station - Interior
Message 1 287898 Winnipeg Transit BUStxt 10552 WB Portage@Burnell 09:34 21 Westwood 09:35 11 Polo Pk 09:42 11 Polo Pk 09:45 21 Crestview Introducing BUStxt...Winnipeg Transit s new real-time information service for people on the move! With BUStxt, you can use the text-messaging feature of your cell phone to find your nearest bus stop locations, bus departure times and more! Text simple commands to 287898 (BUStxt) and get the information you want... anytime, anywhere! For instructions on how to use BUStxt, visit or text HELP to 287898 (BUStxt) Bus txt - Standard text messaging rates may apply. Winnipeg Transit is now using Twitter, the popular social networking site, to deliver service updates to passengers. Twitter.com/transitalerts: Advises customers when an unexpected short-term disruption to service occurs, including temporary re-routes, detours due to fires and other emergencies, stop relocations and more. Transit will also send a follow up tweet as soon as regular service is restored. Twitter.com/winnipegtransit: Customers can get the latest transit news and information about upcoming schedule changes, special service to major events and more. New tools at The transit website now provides you with more information and new tools: Design and save your own personalized timetable for your travel. Quickly find routes and stops near a location you specify. Save your Navigo trips for future reference. Use BUSguide to access our web site on your smart phone. Download BUSgadget to your computer or your smart phone to show upcoming bus departure times from your favorite stops. Check out for these and other features! BUSgadget BUSguide More to come! Automated Bus Destination Announcements When a bus arrives at a stop, the destination will be automatically announced when the front door opens, making it easier to know which bus to catch. This feature will be available on recently purchased buses and new buses acquired in the future. New SmartCard Fare Collection System New SmartCard technology will be installed on all buses. SmartCards are convenient and eliminate the need to purchase and carry passes or tickets or have exact fare.